Double dipping: Opportunities of a joint appointment between an academic unit and a state agency

Getting credit for addressing basic and applied research questions is not often a trivial outcome in academic institutions. Jointly appointed faculty across academic and non-academic units in universities have the opportunity to develop aspects of research, teaching and service in a more diverse manner while not being penalized for such choices. Being jointly appointed by a non-academic unit (Oklahoma Biological Survey) an academic unit (Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology), I have received credit for both basic and applied research allowing my laboratory to make connections with a variety of stakeholders ranging from resource managers of natural and managed areas.